Below, you'll find an unfortunate comparison between Twins pitchers Ricky Nolasco and Vance Worley. But first, a couple caveats:
• The expectations for both pitchers is different, given that Worley was acquired in a trade and Nolasco was signed to the richest contract given to an outside free agent in Twins history.
• That said, Nolasco certainly has a longer track record for success than Worley, suggesting that his early-season struggles for the Twins are both short-term and correctable. We don't imagine Nolasco will vanish after two months, never to return. That said, here we go:
Two previous NL seasons before joining Twins
Worley: 17-12, 3.60 ERA (2011-12 with Phillies)
Nolasco: 25-24, 4.08 ERA (with Marlins and Dodgers)
Early season status with Twins
Worley: Opening Day starter
Nolasco: Opening Day starter
Number of starts through May 25
Worley: 10
Nolasco: 10
Number of quality starts (6 or more IP, 3 ER or fewer allowed)
Worley: 3
Nolasco: 4
Rough outing in 10th start
Worley: 3 2/3 innings, 10 hits, 8 ER
Nolasco: 4 2/3 innings, 9 hits, 7 ER
Similar numbers through 10 starts
Worley: 1-5, 7.21 ERA, 9 HR allowed
Nolasco: 2-5, 6.12 ERA, 10 HR allowed
Different numbers through 10 starts
Worley: 48 2/3 innings pitched, 82 hits, 15 walks, 25 strikeouts, .381 batting average allowed
Nolasco: 60 1/3 innings pitched, 79 hits, 16 walks, 40 strikeouts, .322 batting average allowed
After those 10 starts
Worley: Was sent to minors in 2013, then was waived by Twins late in spring training this year before being dealt to Pittsburgh for cash
Nolasco: Needs to cut down on home runs, boost strikeouts and have a few more batted balls find fielders instead of holes to bring his numbers back into line with his career figures.
MICHAEL RAND